The awful news was announced by Chiswick Records founder Ted Carroll. Official Motörhead made this post this morning.

Eddie was the last surviving member of what is widely considered to be Motörhead's classic line-up. He joined the band in 1976, less than a year after they had formed, and played on six albums, 'Motörhead' (1977), 'Overkill' (1979), 'Bomber' (1979), 'Ace Of Spades' (1980), 'No Sleep 'til Hammersmith' (1981) and 'Iron Fist' (1982).

Previous to Motörhead, Eddie was the guitarist in Curtis Knight's blues prog rock band, Zeus, an outfit founded by Knight after Jimi Hendrix had left his previous band to begin his solo career.

Eddie left Motörhead after the 'Iron Fist' album while on tour in America. His last gig with Motörhead took place at the New York Palladium on 14th May 1982.

Fastway were formed straight after Eddie's departure from Motörhead after teaming up with former UFO bass player Pete Way, who never actually played in the band that carries his name as he joined Ozzy Osbourne's band before Fastway got properly started.

Fastway toured America supporting AC/DC and undertook a lengthy European tour which produced 1992s 'Say What You Will – Live' album. They also played the soundtrack for the 'Trick Or Treat' movie, composing the title track and performing 'Heft' and 'If You Could See' from their albums.

Eddie released a solo album in 1994, 'It Ain't Over Till It's Over', which blends Motörhead and Fastway styles. Lemmy also helped out on the album by writing and singing the track 'Laugh At The Devil'.

The double CD release, 'Fast Eddie Clarke Anthology', on Sanctuary Records showcased a collection of Eddie's music spanning his career before and after Motörhead. It also marked a return to live performances with a re-formed Fastway, including an appearance at the UK's Download Festival in summer 2007.

Eddie's final appearances on stage took place in November 2016 when Fastway and Girlschool supported Saxon across the UK. You can read all about the superb show at London's Shepherd's Bush Empire right here.

Rest in peace, Edward Allan Clarke (5th October 1950 – 10th January 2018), a wonderful man and a legendary guitarist.